Arizona Fraternity Members Charged in Hazing Death

Three Delta Tau Delta members face hazing charges after 18-year-old pledge's death at Northern Arizona University

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Three members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Northern Arizona University have been charged with hazing in connection to the death of an 18-year-old student. Court documents allege the fraternity members instructed pledges to drink large amounts of vodka the night before the student was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of hazing within fraternities and the dangers it poses to student health and safety. It raises questions about Greek life culture, university oversight, and the need for stronger anti-hazing policies and enforcement.

The details

According to police, the three arrested fraternity members - Ryan Creech, Carter Eslick, and Riley Cass - allegedly told pledges to participate in a drinking game called "don't f--- your brother" where they were instructed to finish two 1.75 liter bottles of vodka. The pledges reportedly vomited during a 30-minute break between the two bottles. One witness said the bottles may have been diluted with water. After the drinking, the deceased student was found unresponsive the next morning and later pronounced dead.

  • On Saturday morning, police were called to an off-campus residence where the 18-year-old student was found unresponsive.
  • The student was pronounced dead after paramedics arrived.
  • The three fraternity members were arrested and appeared in court on Sunday morning.

The players

Ryan Creech

Vice president of the Northern Arizona University chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Carter Eslick

New member educator of the Northern Arizona University chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Riley Cass

Treasurer of the Northern Arizona University chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Delta Tau Delta

A national fraternity with a chapter at Northern Arizona University that has been suspended pending an investigation.

Northern Arizona University

The university where the incident occurred and where the Delta Tau Delta chapter was based.

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What’s next

The Coconino County judge overseeing the case said he will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the three fraternity members to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for fraternities, universities, and lawmakers to take stronger action against hazing and create a culture of safety and accountability within Greek life organizations.